Are You Ready for Another Hot Summer?

April 8th, 2015 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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Winter is finally over and what a winter it was! Most of the country experienced record-breaking winter storms that chilled even the warmest regions. Now summer is on the way and it can only be assumed that hot temperatures will plague many areas. If your home still does not have a reliable air conditioning system, now is the time to invest in the comfort of a cool whole.

Home Cooling Options

Beyond the small, inefficient window air conditioners, you have a few choices for whole home air conditioning. Units vary in cost from only a few thousand dollars up to $12,000 or more. These systems usually last for at least 10 years, longer when properly maintained.

If you are ready to either add an air conditioner to your home or replace an old model, here are some of the options available:

–          Central air conditioning. Centralized air conditioning is the most common option used in hot regions for cooling an entire home. These systems require ductwork, usually linked in with the heating system.

–          Heat pumps. Although heat pumps also dual as a heat source, they are efficient and effective for cooling homes. Heat pumps can be connected to duct work or work from a stationary area, with the unit installed on the exterior of the home.

In both centralized air conditioning and heat pumps, you want a unit that is sized correctly for your home and has a high SEER (energy efficiency score). To determine what is the best option for your cooling needs and budget, talk to your local HVAC service provided. They can evaluate your home and offer you choices on the right cooling system for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

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Signs That Your Air Conditioner is Failing

March 26th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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When your air conditioner is in good repair and working as it should, it’s easy to take for granted. Just like anything else in your home, though, your air conditioner is fallible and subject to problems as it ages. The last thing that you want, however, is for a complete breakdown to take you by surprise when the mercury is rising. Keeping an eye out for certain warning signs can help you catch a breakdown before it happens, reducing the amount of time you’ll spend sweltering as your air conditioner repairs or replacement are underway. 

No air conditioner will cool your entire home instantly, but one that takes significantly longer to affect a noticeable change on the temperature of yoru home is probably struggling. In some cases, the problem is as simple as a low coolant level; others, pipes could be rusty or corroding, or the entire system needs to be replaced. 

If you’ve changed your air filters and the air conditioner is still blowing lukewarm, partially-cooled air or the airflow from your vents is weak, those things can also be signs of trouble. Clogged filters are the most common cause of weak airflow, but a frozen unit, malfunctioning blower fan or other mechanical failure could also be the culprit. 

Rather than attempting to diagnose the problem yourself, you should always contact a licensed and experienced HVAC professional in your area to discuss the issue. Some problems with your air conditioner may actually be quick and relatively inexpensive to repair, but all issues will require the attention of a professional. There’s no safe HVAC repair outside of changing an air filter than you can do yourself, and neglecting problems could be even more costly in the long run.

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Energy Efficient Air Conditioning Systems

July 31st, 2012 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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If you are tired of high energy bills for cooling your home, consider replacing your old central air conditioning system with a modern energy efficient unit.  Even a central air conditioner that is only 10 years old may be just half as efficient as the energy efficient central air conditioning systems on the market today.  Older, worn out units are even less efficient.

Government regulations that took effect in 2006 set the minimum seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for central air conditioning systems at 13 and some new energy efficient units have SEER ratings as high as 26.  Central air conditioning systems sold just a few years prior to 2006 had SEER ratings as low as 6.

As a central air conditioning system ages, it slowly becomes less and less efficient.  Regular HVAC system maintenance can help any system operate as efficiently as possible, but over time the energy efficiency of any air conditioning system declines.  Older, worn out systems have to work harder to cool your home and use more energy as a result.

Even if your central air conditioning system is working well, it may be using more than twice the energy that modern air conditioners need to maintain the same level of cool comfort in your home.  Depending on the cost of energy in your area, you may be able to save so much money on your cooling costs that a new unit could pay for itself in as little as 5 to10 years.  Your local heating and air conditioning contractor can help you determine whether it makes sense to replace your old central air conditioning system.

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